Guten Tag, my darlings!
This week, I’m writing to you from Vienna, Austria! Vienna – the city of music, culture, and cake – is simply brimming with loveliness! But first, let’s indulge in a bit of chit-chat. This week I've been on the move, flitting through the English countryside by train. Such an enjoyable mode of transport for a girl who loves to look out the window at the passing scenes. And this trip also included some time with my gorgeous steed.
My trusty steed – which is of course called ‘Pink’ – is my favourite mode of transport. But I’ve always wanted to ride through the cobbled streets of a city and finally, that wish is coming true. In fact, Pink’s having a little break this week while I take on the Viennese roads, though just for fun and a bit of exercise, I shall certainly be trying my best to convince them to let Pink visit this city too!
This week’s blog is brought to you from a cosy café, after a wonderful morning shopping. (Oh my goodness, the boutiques are filled with beautiful, twirly tulle!).
Vienna’s not just about beautiful buildings – oh no! It’s filled with a rich history of fashion and design. The waltzes of the 18th century might be what this city is known for, but I was excited to find there are loads of places to learn about costume design in the history of dance! In fact, there is a shop called "The Little Pink Tutu Shop". It was a stroke of luck I discovered it – what are the chances, my darlings! I found a very, very cute tutu to add to my ever-growing collection – naturally in pink. I mean, my darling readers, would it be a pink tutu blog if it was anything other than pink?!
Let’s delve a bit deeper into the tutu! I love tutus, you know this, and today's post is dedicated to celebrating their history in dance. From the origins in ballet to the elaborate costumes of today, tutus have undergone a remarkable evolution. And we must mention – they haven't lost any of their charm. In fact, they are truly mesmerising and have made a splash, I mean a truly magical impact on our stage – from the 19th century to the present!
In the ballet world, we all know about the tutu - but did you know they first appeared on stage during the Romantic Era? The Romantic period (roughly 1820 to 1850), with its focus on imagination, fantasy and expression, really allowed the tutu to come into its own! It took shape through dancers such as Marie Taglioni who graced the stage with grace and, I think it’s fair to say, inspired much awe. The famous "La Sylphide" tutu was one of the most recognisable of its time, featuring multiple layers of tulle with its signature conical shape. It epitomised a more airy, free form of dance and allowed dancers to display their elegance with greater freedom of movement, literally defying gravity on the stage!
As I wander through this historical city and admire the grandeur of the imperial buildings, I can't help but wonder about the ballerinas who danced in these halls centuries ago. They must have looked absolutely glorious in their billowing, silken tutus, adorned with flowers and feathers. The tutu, then, represented a woman's femininity, and her grace! In fact, its story continues to this very day as ballerinas in Vienna grace the stage at the Vienna State Opera. In this hallowed space, I saw the magic of the tutu displayed in full force. It’s no wonder they're a favourite of my own. I was completely enchanted.
You’re probably thinking by now that I’ve seen a ballet, and I wouldn’t dream of travelling to Vienna, the land of waltzes, without doing so! Of course I attended a performance of Swan Lake at the magnificent Vienna State Opera. There are truly so many magnificent dance venues here, it’s difficult to choose where to spend an evening!
Swan Lake is my all-time favourite ballet - such emotion, such heartbreak! And while we all know it is a tragic story, for me, it represents true love. I have always thought that love, just like a swan in a graceful turn, takes its true form when allowed to express its grace – a concept which surely ties back to the beautiful story of Swan Lake.
And oh, the tutus! A flurry of black and white, graceful movement, and a powerful statement about the tutu and the ballet stage - simply magical! As I settled back into my seat and took in the vibrant costumes, I had a thought, an idea even, that perhaps, I too could make my own version of Swan Lake’s famous tutus. Well, who knows! Maybe you’ll be seeing this vision in my upcoming fashion show!
The opera was an absolute feast for the eyes. The costumes were, well, simply stunning. So of course, the day after the show I indulged in a bit of vintage shopping. The stores were brimming with beautiful silks and fabrics! I feel a project brewing, perhaps, but more on this another time…
After shopping, there was only one place to visit. Vienna is known for its incredible cakes! And, the café I've chosen is famous for its pastries – which of course I am now enjoying over a lovely cup of tea.
Vienna’s the perfect blend of classic elegance and quirky charm. It’s a city full of energy and artistic brilliance, a place that is a pure delight to the senses. I mean – who doesn’t love the waltz!
Now, with my feet aching from walking, and with a belly full of yummy treats, I’m off for a peaceful walk by the beautiful Danube Canal. I’m hoping for some inspiration for tomorrow's posts – which will be on the lovely, whimsical, artistic, pink and romantic world of fashion. After all, it would be rude not to discuss my recent purchases! I know that you are all eager to see them – and perhaps be inspired by the wonders of Vienna too. And who knows – there might even be a glimpse of a tutu in the post too.
So my dears, until next week,
Happy waltzing!
Yours in pink,
Emma x
P.S. Be sure to keep an eye on our website www.pink-tutu.com - my ballet performance schedule for March is coming out next week! I’d love to see you in the audience – and maybe we can even talk about how to incorporate a tutu in your next wardrobe update. The tutu - that perfect symbol of magic and feminine energy is for everyone! After all, who wouldn’t love a bit of twirling? We’ll talk next week about how we can each make the world a more magical and whimsical place by joining the tutu movement, spreading its joyous femininity wherever we go. It’s sure to bring a bit of joy into your life - you can’t help but smile when you see a tutu twirling around!
